Ski pole

[4] Alpine societies such as those in Nordic regions or the Altai mountains used their ski poles to hunt as well, giving them spear-like qualities.

[8] This construction was superseded by Edward L. Scott, who is credited with popularizing the lightweight aluminum ski pole in 1959, deriving his modern design from golf club shafts.

[11] Axel Composites has a patent for carbon fiber ski poles dating back to 1975, however, inventor David P. Goode's improved design from 1989 became the first widely produced.

[15] Poles are used in alpine skiing to add propulsion and to aid in controlling upper body position at turn initiation.

Super giant slalom, downhill, and speed skiing poles are designed to bend around the skier's body while in a tuck position to minimize drag.

[21] In competitive cross-country skiing, poling technique is essential, especially so during a mass start in which double-poling is the main means of propulsion.